Pierre and his
people the deadliest of all sins--anxiety and indecision. Very
closely, yet with eyes that seemed to shift uneasily, he watched
the effect of his trick on Boulain. Twice the huge riverman
followed him about the ring of sand, and the steely glitter in his
eyes changed to laughter, and the tense faces of the men about
them relaxed. A subdued ripple of merriment rose where there had
been silence. A third time David maneuvered his retreat, and his
eyes shot furtively to Concombre Bateese and the men at his back.
They were grinning. The half-breed's mouth was wide open, and his
grotesque body hung limp and astonished. This was not a fight! It
was a comedy--like a rooster following a sparrow around a
barnyard! And then a still funnier thing happened, for David began
to trot in a circle around St. Pierre, dodging and feinting, and
keeping always at a safe distance. A howl of laughter came from
Bateese and broke in a roar from the men. St. Pierre stopped in
his tracks, a grin on his face, his big arms and shoulders limp
and unprepared as Carrigan dodged in close and out again. And
then--
A howl broke in the middle of the half-breed's throat.
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